How are RAW images processed?

[photoken]

There seems to be a discrepancy in the way PL is handling RAW files. I'm going to show the differences between RW2 images from the Panasonic LF1 and those same images that were run through Adobe's DNG converter.

Here's a comparison of the images opened in DigiKam, which does not currently support the RW2 images from the LF1:

RAW comp DK.jpg

The images look as expected -- the RW2 image is washed out and has a general "haze", while the DNG image looks fine with the correct Black values. This is how these two images look in simple viewing apps, as well.

Here are those images opened in PL (18.40b8):

RAW comp PL.jpg

Both imageslook exactly the same, and are slightly washed out without good Black values. I expected the DNG image to look like the example posted above from DigiKam.

[photoken]

To continue the comparison, these sets of images are from programs which specifically support the RW2 images from the LF1 -- PaintShopPro X6 SP2, and RawTherapee 4.0.12.70.

First the example from PSP:

RAW comp PSP.jpg

And the images from RT (using the "Neutral" processing profile for each):

RAW comp RT.jpg

In all these comparisons, I consider the DNG converted image (as shown in DigiKam, PSP, and RT) to be the "standard" conversion; and that the RW2 image will ultimately approach its Black level quality by manual manipulation.

To sum up, it seems that the other 3 programs treat DNG images as special and do not attempt to apply any "corrections" to DNG images. It looks like PL applies its default "corrections" to DNG images, and this is not what should be done.

[SCX]

It's only a RAW-import in PhotoLine. I suggest to use a RAW-Konverter and export the images to PhotoLine if necessary.